Copyright on logotypes

[PeterHo]

I wonder if it's possible to publish a logotyp of a company on your own page as long as you don't change it?
The reason to my question is that I read in a magazine that SonyEricsson have very strict rules on how to use their logotype. I mean, it's very hard to know these rules if you're not involved in the field?

[gingerbreadman]

Most large companies will have corporate guidelines which they publish on their websites.

These documents often give you DOs and DO NOTs of their logo usage.

[PeterHo]

Ok. But if there is no such page then you can do what you want to with the logo?

[jrobbio]

I think its a pretty bad idea to assume you can do something with the logo. Maybe a quick e-mail or phonecall will rectify the usage.

[europeforvisitors]

Ok. But if there is no such page then you can do what you want to with the logo?

No. Just the opposite.

[Jenstar]

No. Never assume you can just take a logo (or an article, etc) just because the site/company doesn't specify that you CAN'T. Especially with large companies with deep pockets, always ask for permission first, so you don't find yourself on the receiving end of a nasty C&D.

Many companies are happy to allow you to use a logo, provided your site isn't a "Company Sucks" type of site. And there are companies out there that are still shocked that anyone would want to use their logo on a site at all, which is why many do not have a page on logo usage.

If there are no clear guidelines, always ask first.

Jen